Respect (2021) | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

69% Tomatometer 191 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Verified Ratings

Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice.

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Respect

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Critics Consensus

This standard-issue biopic falls shy of its subject's transcendent brilliance, but Jennifer Hudson's starring performance absolutely commands Respect.

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Audience Says

Much like the Queen of Soul herself, Respect serves up a powerhouse performance that holds nothing back and leaves audiences wanting more.

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Critics Reviews

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Respect (2021) | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Michael Blackmon BuzzFeed News The film touches upon the major moments of Franklin's life, but does not coalesce into a fulfilling narrative. Dec 17, 2021 Full Review Respect (2021) | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald The film soars whenever the music takes over, as it does for large chunks of the action. But the backstage story is less exhilarating. Franklin had a life as big as her personality. Rated: 3/5 Oct 13, 2021 Full Review Respect (2021) | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Jonathan Romney Uncut Magazine [UK] [Jennifer Hudson is] a winning presence, the expertise and exuberance with which she recreates the great songs at least distinguishing Respect as a superior jukebox tribute. Rated: 3/5 Oct 1, 2021 Full Review Respect (2021) | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Annlee Ellingson CineWomen Draping the film in a nostalgic haze, [director Liesl] Tommy suggests a lack of clarity during these early years as Aretha stumbles toward freedom, driven by a stirring soundtrack of hit after hit, and powered by [Hudson's] performance. Jul 29, 2024 Full Review Respect (2021) | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Tyler Strandberg InSession Film While Jennifer Hudson is an incredible performer, I was worried that this would feel too formulaic to be enjoyable. I came out blown away and incredibly emotionally moved... Rated: B+ Jul 19, 2023 Full Review Respect (2021) | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Josh Parham Next Best Picture Sadly, this particular example of a biopic does not find itself possessing an extraordinary execution to make it a singularly accomplished effort. Rated: 5/10 Jun 5, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Bridget Fantastic... Jennifer Hudson amazing!! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/08/21 Full Review Johnny L It was so real and I still am weepy eyed. I pray all the women who suffer through abuse. May God give you strength. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/07/21 Full Review Sue Great background of her life and ends with live performance by Aretha. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/06/21 Full Review Estaire P Music and singing were amazing! Tells the real story! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/02/21 Full Review Charles Harris The movie was excellent. I love the storyline and the acting was an Oscar performance by Jennifer Hudson. I learn so much about the life of Aretha Franklin. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/30/21 Full Review LA Vaughan The movie was fantastic. Unfortunately, the movie goers behind me sang along with the movie. It was an annoying distraction. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/29/21 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

Liesl Tommy Director Jennifer Hudson Aretha Franklin Forest Whitaker Rev. C.L. Franklin Marlon Wayans Ted White Audra McDonald Barbara Franklin Marc Maron Jerry Wexler
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Respect

Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Think Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Think 0:53 Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Respect Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Respect 1:01 View more videos

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Videos

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Respect

Jennifer Hudson on Becoming Aretha Franklin for 'Respect' Jennifer Hudson on Becoming Aretha Franklin for 'Respect' 6:12 Respect: Teaser - Becoming Aretha Franklin Respect: Teaser - Becoming Aretha Franklin 0:50 Respect: Featurette - First Look Respect: Featurette - First Look 3:42 Respect: Trailer 2 Respect: Trailer 2 2:25 Respect: Trailer 1 Respect: Trailer 1 1:14 Respect: Sneak Peek Respect: Sneak Peek 0:38 View more videos

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Synopsis Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice.

Director
Liesl Tommy

Producer
Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher

Screenwriter
Tracey Scott Wilson

Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Production Co
Creative Wealth Media Finance, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Glickmania, BRON Creative

Rating
PG-13 (Racial Epithets|Mature Thematic Content|Violence|Smoking|Strong Language|Suggestive Material)

Genre
Biography, Drama, Music

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 13, 2021, Wide

Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 28, 2021

Box Office (Gross USA)
$24.3M

Runtime
2h 25m

Sound Mix
Dolby Digital

Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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